Amanda, Harare, Zimbabwe

"Having peace that God has placed me where I am meant to be and gratefulness that my daughters and loved ones are living close by. Loving the texture, contrasts, smells and spectacular skies of my land and her people. Knowing that I belong right here."

Flying over the great Zambezi River in 2005 after leaving the UK after 5 weeks visiting there for the first time ever (to see if I could possibly settle there as Zim was in such turmoil) I was riveted, face pressed against the jets small heavily paned window, watching it snake the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. I feel a compelling surge of excitement, sadness, relief, anxiety, loyalty, anger, acceptance a deep sense of belonging and love. Deep contrasts of pain and joy encompass Zimbabwe...... the land, her people and myself. I am home!Born in (Colonial) Rhodesia in 1961 in Bulawayo where I grew up and was schooled, trained as a teacher, married, lived through transition of the country into Zimbabwe in 1981,had three daughters, Elsie, Charlotte and Bethany, schooled them, divorced after 22 years of marriage and am at present teaching at a private school, St John's College, in Harare.

I have a great interest and passion for the arts and have had great opportunity to experiment with many spheres of it throughout the years. I am inspired by talent of the youth, black, white and coloured, in Zimbabwe and have had the privilege of creating exciting shows and productions with them that include the visual and performing arts as well as fashion. Zimbabwe has provided me with the great opportunity to be able to explore and be involved in so many exciting projects that I believe would be difficult to engage in, in other parts of the world. This has been a wonderful gift amidst the trials and tribulations and transitions that have taken place in my country.I have been teaching art (and more recently drama) for 30 years and have also been involved in home decor, national radio presentation and am now wanting to start a business and project involving all facets of the arts.

I am also an avid runner and enjoy the experience of being outdoors and savoring our ideal weather. Also in the bushveld and encountering nature and wildlife is a thrilling and a big part of why I love this country so much! Kangaroos just don't do it for me!The gallery consists of shots taken of lumber and tin crafters at a co-operative situated along Rotten Row in Mbare, Harare. These pics are typical scenes that you pass daily, particularly in high density areas. People carve out ingenius existences and businesses within a very harsh economic climate. You can stop on the side of ten road and order a design from willing crafters. Just hope you get what you want without it having to be altered too many times. Get the price right too and only pay when the job is done!